The Days Leading Up to Joseph's Departure

Elder Mullen entered the MTC on Wednesday May 4th on the heels of a whirlwind 5 day trip to NYC the week prior where he spent time with Mom, Dad, Chris, Jenna and of course, little man Landon.  The entire family enjoyed sightseeing, shopping, dining out and just plain spending time together -- wonderful times for memory making!!  

As documented in his earlier post he was then set apart as a full time missionary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints by President Murphy of the Rocklin CA Stake on Sunday, May 1st.  Monday was spent with final packing details and Monday afternoon we boarded the plane for Salt Lake City, enabling us to spend those last few days in Farmington with family.

Tuesday morning took us (Joseph, Mom, Dad, and Aunt Libby) south to the magnificent Salt Lake Temple .  It was Joseph's first experience in that temple and the time together was both sacred and sweet.  The temple grounds were covered with tulips and hyacinths all in full bloom, an absolutely glorious sight.  

Tuesday evening culminated in Joseph receiving a Father's blessing from Michael.  Joseph found himself surrounded by his extended family gathered together to wish him Godspeed.  

Wednesday morning came all too quickly and by mid morning we headed south to Provo.  We arrived early so we spent 45 minutes or so walking the Provo Temple grounds where we met about 12 other families  spending those last few moments together prior to the allotted drop off time at the MTC.  Every time we came upon a new group or family Joseph extended his firm and welcoming hand asking their name, where they were from, and to which mission they had been called.  It was absolutely amazing to watch his enthusiasm as he greeted the elders and sisters who were also about to embark upon this new life adventure.  

The time passed quickly and Joseph was ready.  We drove up to the MTC where we were greeted by an older gentleman who welcomed our new missionary, told him that others going to his same mission had already arrived, and pointed us to where we would drop him off.  We pulled into the designated curbside parking where an Elder Funk greeted us, helped Joseph to unload his bags,  told us we could take pictures as needed, and then when we had said our good byes, said to Joseph "Are you ready?"  To which Joseph replied, "Let's do it"  Off they went and he never looked back.  

As parents we were grateful for the new "curbside dropoff" for missionaries.  They are greeted personally by an elder and escorted into the MTC.  They are not left alone...such a great feeling.  Joseph is so ready to serve.  We are ever grateful.